nks.

But it was not only the sight of that slow-rising smoke, there was the
odour which floated to their nostrils, and set them off running in a way
which seemed to suggest that their swim had washed away all the
stiffness and languor of the day before.

"Breakfast," shouted Griggs as they drew near, and his cry brought up
Wilton, Bourne, and the doctor, each with his double rifle and shot-gun
across his shoulder.

The change was so great after the sufferings and excitement of the past
hours, that every one was enthusiastic, and the conversation became
general about the future; but very soon all but one became listeners,
the one being the doctor, who laid down the law as to future
proceedings, giving it as his opinion that the success of the
expedition, or more especially the continuance thereof, must depend upon
their keeping in touch with water.

"Yes, that's right," said Griggs, as if speaking to himself.

"You see," said the speaker, "our stores must rapidly grow less, and we
have to face the fact that we shall have to throw ourselves upon the
resources of the country; hence to go on journeying through the deserts
means failure, perhaps worse, for we may find some day that we have gone
so far that we cannot retrace our steps. You follow me, Griggs?"

"Quite, sir," was the reply. "You are saying what I think, only much
better. I don't want to push forward my opinions, but I know a little
about these matters, having journeyed farther north years ago, and
having had a good deal to do with the horrible alkali plains, as they
called them."

"Exactly, and we shall always be glad of your advice and counsel," said
the doctor. "Now, it seems to me that wherever we can we must keep to
the mountains. It will be more arduous for our beasts, but near the
high lands we may generally find water. Where there is water there are
grass and trees, and where there are these we may find food in the shape
of birds and other animals, as well as provision for our ponies and
mules."

"Plenty of fish in that big pool," said Chris.

"Oh!" cried Ned in protest. "We only saw one."

"But he was after another," said Chris sharply, "and that big one is
sure to have plenty of young ones."

"His relatives, eh?" said Bourne, smiling.

"Of course," added Wilton, with a laugh, "and that will include the old
folks as well as the young."

"Yes," said the doctor, "and you boys must try your hands at catching
them whenever there is